Always a student, while being a teacher

Want to know something funny? When I first started teaching yoga, I always told myself whenever I made any money teaching I would immediately "re-invest it" in myself - by talking more classes, workshops, retreats, etc. My initial intentions for teaching (besides my huge love of yoga and knowing how powerful of a practice it was to share) included supporting my rapidly growing yoga (and traveling to do yoga) habits!

To teach yoga, one typically takes a 200-hour foundational yoga teacher training. I've learned over the years, that is just the beginning. Knowing and sharing any discipline well, especially yoga, requires ongoing education, practice, and refinement. I've been fortunate enough to now complete 2 200-hour trainings and 1 300-hour training in the past 16 years of teaching. And I'm not even close to being done. The path of a yoga instructor is one of continuous evolution, and further education is not just beneficial, it’s essential. To pull from yoga philosophy - being dedicated to your own Svadhyaya or self-study. Learning yogic texts, journaling, and engaging in self-reflection practices as part of being a student and teacher.

Yoga is a dynamic field, integrating ancient wisdom with modern science and evolving methodologies. As a teacher, you are guiding people into poses and postures they may not be familiar with, and the risk of injury does exist. Staying informed and deepening your knowledge enhances your ability to serve your students effectively. By continually learning you can:

• Expand your teaching style and refine your skills

• Stay updated on the latest research and trends in yoga and wellness

• Offer specialized classes to diverse student needs

• Prevent burnout by reigniting passion and curiosity in your practice

By prioritizing education, you not only elevate your teaching but also strengthen your credibility and confidence as a yoga professional. You better serve your students and yourself!

For those who have completed a 200-hour training, a 300-hour advanced training is the next step toward earning the 500-hour RYT designation from Yoga Alliance. I did my 300-hour in Guatemala with School Yoga Institute in 2024 and the experience brought both my understanding and way I offer yoga to a whole new level. Typical 300-hour programs go deeper into:

• Advanced asana techniques and sequencing

• Yoga philosophy, mythology, and history

• Anatomy, biomechanics, and injury prevention

• Meditation, pranayama, and energy work

I loved mine because it focused more on hatha, breathing, and tantra philosophy. I would recommend taking a training in something different to expand your knowledge. If you can't do a full training, even taking classes that you don't usually attend is a wonderful way to learn something new. Paying attention to how a yin teacher talks compared to a 26+2 teacher or vinyasa teacher helps broaden your mind.

One of the most impactful ways to grow as a yoga teacher is through mentorship. Learning directly from an experienced teacher provides invaluable guidance, feedback, and inspiration. A mentor can help you refine your teaching style, navigate challenges, and build a sustainable career in yoga - on and off the mat. Another option (if your area has one) is networking with other teachers or joining a yoga teacher group. Even just having coffee with another teacher is a great way to learn and open your teaching to new perspectives.

Professional development in yoga is a lifelong commitment. Whether through formal training, workshops, retreats, or self-study, every step you take deepens your knowledge and enriches your students’ experience. Doing it with a friend, a teacher you respect, or if you are me in an exotic location, makes it even more powerful and rewarding. The more you invest in your growth, the more you empower others to do the same.

Interesting in learning more about the yoga mentorship programs I offer? Visit this page

or email amy@intheyogaflow.com.